Tips on Buying a High-Quality Mattress

Tips on Buying a High-Quality Mattress
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD


Before buying a mattress, it is best to try sleeping on it. People may try different beds in hotels, at other people’s houses, etc. and when they find the best mattress for them, then they buy the same make/model. If it’s not possible to sleep on a mattress first, it’s advisable to at least lie on the mattress in the store until feeling sure that it is a comfortable fit.
here are two main factors that comprise a mattress:

• Support: The coils or inner springs in the mattress provide support for the spine. A mattress should have enough coils to provide adequate support and allow for the natural curves of the spine.
• Comfort: The padding on top of the mattress primarily provides the comfort (thick padding may be called “pillow top”). This is really a matter of personal preference - some people prefer thick padding and some thin.

In general, the higher number of coils and the thicker the padding, the higher quality (and more expensive) the mattress. However, this does not mean that it’s necessary to buy the mattress with the highest number of coils and/or thickest padding. As noted on the previous page, mattress preference is dictated by a number of factors, including a person’s specific back condition.

While it is important that a mattress provide an adequate level support for the spine, personal preference and comfort level is the bottom line when selecting a mattress.





   

Selecting the Best Mattress

Selecting the Best Mattress
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD

     While individual preference is probably the most important factor in determining the best mattress for each person, there are some general rules of thumb in what constitutes a good mattress.

• In general, most people prefer a firmer mattress that gives the spine more support. While there is no definitive literature thatabsolutely supports this claim, it makes sense that it is beneficial to have support for the spine while sleeping. It is thought that a mattress should provide support for the spine at all points (along the spine’s natural curves), and keep the spine in the same body position as good standing posture.

Mattresses and Sleep Positions for Each Back Pain Diagnosis

Mattresses and Sleep Positions for Each Back Pain Diagnosis
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD

An important factor that can influence individual preferences for mattresses, beds and sleeping positions is the specific back condition a person has. For example:

• Osteoarthritis. Patients with pain from osteoarthritis of the facet joints may prefer to sleep on their sides with their knees curled up (in the fetal position). This helps open up the facet joints in the spine and can relieve any corresponding pressure. Alternatively, sleeping in a reclining chair or an adjustable bed that allows the head and knees to be elevated can also relieve pressure on the facet joints.